Former Miss India, Ishika Taneja, has sparked widespread controversy after delivering a provocative and inflammatory speech targeting the Indian Muslim community. Speaking at a religious gathering during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Taneja made derogatory remarks that reinforced harmful stereotypes about Muslims.
In a video circulating on social media, she is heard referring to Muslims as "Babur ki aulad" (descendants of Babur, the Mughal emperor) and suggesting that a "pinch of vermilion" could protect against social issues she associated with the community, including "halala, triple talaq, and love jihad."
"Babar's children don’t understand the value of sindoor. A pinch of vermilion saves us from halala, triple talaq, and love jihad,” she stated.
The term "love jihad" is a debunked conspiracy theory alleging that Muslim men deliberately lure and marry non-Muslim women to convert them to Islam. Similarly, "halala" is a misrepresented Islamic practice often distorted by right-wing narratives to vilify Muslims.
Taneja's remarks were met with applause from the audience, which included several Hindu religious leaders and BJP politician Hema Malini. The incident underscores the increasing normalization of anti-Muslim rhetoric in public discourse, where figures seeking attention or political relevance often resort to targeting the Muslim community.
Following the speech, social activists urged law enforcement to take immediate action, citing Supreme Court directives that mandate strict measures against hate speech. In a 2020 ruling, the Supreme Court instructed the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to crack down on hate speech, emphasizing that failure to act would be considered contempt of court. The ruling reiterated India's commitment to secularism, national unity, and fraternity among citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution.
Critics have pointed out the trend of individuals leveraging hate speech for media attention and political mileage, with some remarking that when mainstream opportunities fade, inciting communal hatred becomes an alternative route to the spotlight.
